A few weeks ago we had dinner at a pizza place that served wood-fired pizza. On the menu that evening was a side salad with strawberries and walnuts. My mom was with us and we all ordered the strawberry side salad. Unfortunately, although the pizza was not disappointing, the salad certainly was. I suggested that next time we order the pizza to go and I create the salad. This is the creation.
My husband calls it refreshing, I call it simple, and we all call it delicious. It's a great way to use up the last of the homemade strawberry jam leftover from the previous year. If your strawberries are a little on the tart side you can add a pinch of sugar {or a squeeze of honey} to sweeten the dressing up a bit. The salad serves 4 people as a side salad or 2 people as a main dish. The dressing makes enough for 2 salads. Don't worry - you'll make it again. We've already eaten it twice this week!
Simple & Refreshing Strawberry-Spinach Salad
Serves 4
Salad:
5 cups baby spinach leaves, washed and cut if desired
6 medium-sized strawberries,washed, cored and sliced slightly chunky
4 scallions, washed and chopped
1/4 cup nuts such as sliced almonds, chopped walnuts or chopped pecans
Dressing:
1 1/2 Tablespoons white wine vinegar {you can use regular white vinegar in a pinch}
1/4 cup strawberry jam
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/2 cup oil {canola, vegetable, or any flavorless oil}
In a large bowl, lightly toss the spinach with the strawberries and scallions.
In a medium jar with lid, combine all the dressing ingredients, tighten the lid, and shake until completely combined. Drizzle half the dressing over the salad and lightly toss the salad again, with 2 forks, to distribute the dressing.
Top with the nuts. Serve.